Rep. Josh Gottheimer, a U.S. Congressman representing New Jersey’s 5th district since 2017, has taken to social media to announce legislative initiatives aimed at addressing mental health challenges among students. Born in Livingston, New Jersey, Gottheimer is an alumnus of the University of Pennsylvania and Harvard University.
On May 15, 2025, Rep. Gottheimer announced the introduction of the Preparing for the Future Act. This legislation aims to tackle the shortage of school psychologists both in New Jersey and nationwide by establishing a national grant program that provides scholarships for students pursuing careers as school psychologists.
In another post on the same day, Gottheimer highlighted a growing mental health crisis affecting children across New Jersey and the country. He criticized recent actions by the Trump Administration that involved cutting $1 billion from school mental health funding. In response, he expressed his commitment to introducing new legislation designed to counteract these cuts and protect children’s mental well-being.
Gottheimer further elaborated on his stance in a subsequent tweet, condemning President Trump’s decision to reduce funding for school mental health services as “reckless and absolutely ridiculous.” He emphasized that investing in children’s mental health should transcend partisan politics and is essential for securing the nation’s future.
As a member of Congress with roots deeply embedded in New Jersey’s community, Gottheimer continues to advocate for educational and mental health reforms crucial for supporting young individuals’ development.
